Dania Jai-Alai in Broward County, Florida opened in 1953, only the second jai-alai fronton in the country. Since then numbers rose to 14 facilities in the US but later declined to six. With changes to the gambling laws for the four pari-mutuel venues in Broward County it was hoped that Dania Jai-Alai would once again become a prominent sporting entertainment.

Boyd Gaming intended to operate slots from late 2008 but is now considering its options. The three Broward County pari-mutuels that have already opened slot machine halls have found revenue falling below projections. It seems that many in Florida preferred the Seminole Hard Rock casinos, even with Class II gaming.

Now that the Seminole tribal casinos are close to obtaining permission to upgrade to Class III gaming machines, and may also get to offer baccarat and blackjack, Dania Jai-Alai may be facing an uncertain future. Dog and horse racing simulcasting has been introduced in an attempt to boost attendance, but if Boyd Gaming fails to open a casino jai-alai in Florida may become a thing of the past. (E-12.19.07)

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